A Mexico volcanoes mountaineering expedition to central Mexico with a healthy taste of high altitude mountain climbing and Mexican culture. A perfect first high altitude climb for those with international high altitude mountain climbing goals and for those who want to summit North America's third highest peak.
Our Mexico Volcanoes itinerary has been refined over many years of operating climbing trips in Mexico. We feel we have the best itinerary to ensure the proper acclimating and rest and to give you a taste of the rich Mexican culture and history. We also include three peaks, instead of two, in a 9-day itinerary. Be very wary of companies advertising trips up Orizaba of 5 or less days...that is simply not enough time to safely acclimate.
We avoid tent camping as much as possible to ensure your enjoyment and to give you proper rest. That, combined with our carefully planned acclimating schedule & certified American mountain guides, gives you the best chances for success.
From Mexico City we travel to La Malinche (14,600 ft) where we begin our acclimating at a comfortable resort right at the trail head. Our summit of this fun peak has rewarding views of our next two climbs - Izta and Orizaba. On the way to La Malinche, we visit the famous and spectacular pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Then it's on to Iztaccihuatl where we stay at the Altzomoni climbers lodge which continues our acclimating. We then summit Izta via the normal route, Arista del Sol, with spectacular views. After climbing Iztaccihuatl we spend two days, and a full day of rest, in the cosmopolitan colonial city of Puebla enjoying some of the finest cuisine Mexico has to offer.
Our acclimating complete, we journey East to the base of Pico de Orizaba where we take an exciting 4WD trip to Orizaba base camp. While on Orizaba we will stay at, or near, the Piedra Grande hut at 14,000 ft on the flanks of Orizaba.
Climbing Orizaba involves the use of basic mountaineering skills with ice axe and crampons on steep snow. While not a difficult mountain climb, climbing Orizaba does require good stamina. Your mountain guide will review all the skills necessary to summit this spectacular Mexican Volcano. Our route is up the spectacular Jamapa Glacier to the summit at 18,491 feet. (many others have incorrectly exagerated the summit elevation to be hihger). The central Mexico plain spreads out 11,000 feet below.
We use private ground transportation and a local logistics company within Mexico. Our guides are highly trained AMGA and IFMGA certified American guides. We believe the combination of highly-trained professional American guides with local logistics support is by far the best way to climb internationaly.
This seasons Mexico Volcano trips are being led by CAG/IAG owner and IFMGA/UIAGM internationally certified guide Dave Miller.
We specialize in climbing the peaks of Mexico. Our groups are small which allows us to give personilzed attention. Join us on an expedition this season!
Level:
Participants on the Orizaba climb should have some previous ice axe and crampon experience.